How to re-connect existing wires for outside light

[iandb0812]

Hi all

Recently moved house and there is an outside light above a door that has never worked and so looking to replace.

There is a 2 gang switch the other side of door and always assumed that one of these was for out side light, bit when removing the switch there is a wire there but not connected, the other light for the internal hallway is.

The hallway light is also turned on by another switch at the other end.

Have done a continuity check so I now know that the un-connected wire in switch is for the outside side light.

So inside the switch the hall light is connected as: Blue wire at top I assume in L1 ( old switch and hard to see ) then a yellow wire at top , L2? and a red wire on bottom right, in what i think is COM, there is a spare connection on the switch SP

The wires to be connected are old standard so Red / Black / earth

Hopefully its as simple as I think it should be.

Thanks

 

[pete01]

Is there a neutral in the switch?

You got any pictures?

 

[iandb0812]

Is there a neutral in the switch?

You got any pictures?

Sorry, not too sure. Will get a couple of pics.

If it helps, looking in the other 2 gang switch, which also does the upstairs landing light, its a new switch. The yellow in Top L1 the blue in Top L2, then there is a link from the Top L2 to top Comm then at bottom a Black in L2 a Red L1 and another Red in Com

Photos attached of both.

 

[pete01]

If the red and black in the photo go to the outside light then you cant do it, you dont have a neutral at that switch.

 

[iandb0812]

If the red and black in the photo go to the outside light then you cant do it, you dont have a neutral at that switch.

OK, thanks for your help. I assume you mean the red & block in terminal blocks? They go to the outside.

 

[jj4091]

So you mean both the red and the black go to the outside light. So there should be another cable to the light as well is that correct. Also is it just a normal light fitting or is it a PIR controlled one

 

[iandb0812]

So you mean both the red and the black go to the outside light. So there should be another cable to the light as well is that correct. Also is it just a normal light fitting or is it a PIR controlled one

Yes the red & Black in the blocks go to the outside and it was a normal light no PIR.

 

[pete01]

Yes the red & Black in the blocks go to the outside and it was a normal light no PIR.

Is there just the one cable at the light? ( the red and black)

 

[iandb0812]

Is there just the one cable and the light? ( the red and black)

Yes, this white flex with the R&B goes outside, I assume directly, and was connected to the old now removed light.

The other white flex with the Y&B is I assume the Y&B in the other switch for the hall light.

 

[pete01]

Yes, this white flex with the R&B goes outside, I assume directly, and was connected to the old now removed light.

View attachment 416443

The other white flex with the Y&B is I assume the Y&B in the other switch for the hall light.

Sorry my mistake, I meant is there another cable at the light or just the one?

 

[iandb0812]

Sorry my mistake, I meant is there another cable at the light or just the one?

Just had a closer look and there is a cut flex pushed back into the wall, not easily visible, grey flex with R/B/ E and no idea where this is likely to be from.

 

[pete01]

Just had a closer look and there is a cut flex pushed back into the wall, not easily visible, grey flex with R/B/ E and no idea where this is likely to be from.

From the nearest light maybe? Careful it could be live.

 

[iandb0812]

From the nearest light maybe? Careful it could be live.

There is some play in the flex and can pull back out into the open if needed. I suspect maybe from the light in the hall as it is in a straight line but who knows.

If I get a chance will cut all power to strip and then check if live


Thanks again

 

[iandb0812]

One last question, If this is a live cable can I then install a new light, and best way

 

[pete01]

Has the new light got a flex on it? If so fit a junction box with a compression gland feeding the light.

I've missed out the earth wires but obviously connect them.